Volvo V50 Review (2004 to date)

Quick Summary

Although a small Volvo estate doesn't sound instantly appetising, the V50 is a very enjoyable package, offering a little more utility than its S40 saloon sibling without becoming stodgy. A lively chassis, reliable engines and a surprising dose of design flair makes it a very attractive buy. Residual values are still holding up very well, so don't waste too much time looking for that screaming deal.

Overall:

Models Covered:(5dr estate, 1.8, 2.0, 2.4, 2.5 turbo petrol, 2.0, 2.4 diesel [ S, Sport, SE, SE Sport])

V GOOD

Compact estate cars sound like a bad idea right from the outset. If you're going to buy a load lugger, why buy one that can't lug much of a load? Logic issues notwithstanding, Volvo managed to turn the genre on its head with the V50, a car that made you want to make multiple trips to IKEA just because of its neat good looks, smart detailing and reassuringly 'on message' image. With a range of decent engines, a great chassis and competitive pricing, the V50 – along with its S40 saloon sibling – made small Volvos attractive once more. A used example is well worth tracking down.
Used Volvo V50 for sale

History of the V50

How you perceive Volvo's V50 very much depends on your initial standpoint. Come at the car with the perspective that this is a condensed version of the Volvo V70 and you'll love it. Hardened cynics will see it as just an expensive rehash on a Ford Focus chassis and will consider the V50 overpriced. I'd have to say the cynics would be wrong as the Focus chassis is one of the best in the business and beyond the basic nuts and bolts, there's not a lot of common ground between, say, a Focus Estate and a Volvo V50.The range was introduced here in Spring 2004 and was quickly fleshed out with larger capacity and diesel powerplants. Above the entry-level petrol 1.8, these included the 2.4i and the 2.5 T5 for petrol buyers, plus a 136bhp 2.0-litre diesel. A 180bhp 2.4-litre D5 diesel wasn't to follow until early 2006 followed by a 145bhp 2.0-litre petrol unit. Unlike the saloon S40 model, no 1.6-litre petrol or diesel engine option was ever offered. However, the V50 was first to get the more powerful D5 diesel unit and you can get the performance T5 version with all-wheel drive.A range reshuffle at the start of 2007 saw prices cut across the V50 line-up. Trim levels were also tweaked with the SE gaining a powered driver's seat and an upgraded stereo. A little later that same year, a wide-reaching facelift was carried out with a reprofiled grille featuring a larger Volvo badge and tweaks to the interior. Flexifuel models were also introduced, capable of running on normal unleaded or renewable E85 Bioethanol.The R-Design Sport and R-Design SE Sport models were introduced towards the end of 2007 with more extrovert body-styling kits and sporty interior trim upgrades. They gave the S40 a useful dose of extra attitude.
Used Volvo V50 for sale

Volvo V50 Road Test

The undemanding lower powered models are the ones to go for. If you must have something like a T5, then don't expect a BMW 3 Series driving experience. This variant feels recognisably Volvo at the wheel with a strong, characterful engine and handling that's safe rather than spine-tingling. The turbocharger runs at a modest level of compression, which means that torque is spread widely across the rev band. Drop the throttle at 1,500rpm in almost any gear and you'll get clean acceleration without bogging, hiccupping or any unseemly lunging. The only clue that it is a turbocharged engine comes in the form of a mild underbonnet whistle in the midrange and a slight mushiness to the accelerator pedal when you blip the throttle. The T5 will notch off the sprint to 60mph in just 6.5 seconds and run on to 150mph. This would seem to promise great things if Volvo ever created a V50R, although recent experience with the underwhelming S60R tempers the enthusiasm a little. Fast Volvos rarely hit the mark and after sampling the 170bhp 2.4-litre model, there's little to modify that opinion. This engine will still get to 60mph in 7.9 seconds but needs a bit more work to do so. Despite this, with taller tyres and less torque steer to contend with, the 170bhp car feels a good deal more composed and unruffled than its slingshot sibling.
Used Volvo V50 for sale

Buying a Volvo V50

The V50 is impeccably built and owners report few significant problems. Even in the hands of motoring journalists – traditionally some of the most neglectful drivers around – the V50 has proven a doughty counterpart. Look for worn tyres and brakes on the T5 model as these may have been driven hard. If you wear jewellery, it's worth bearing in mind that some of the interior plastics scratch fairly easily.
Used Volvo V50 for sale

Volvo V50 Typical Pricing

You'll need a fair amount of liquidity to get your name on the registration document of a V50 - £8,300 is a fair starter price for a 1.8-litre S on a 53-plate. Most will want a little more power if they're planning to load the vehicle up and the five-cylinder 2.4-litre models have proven popular. You'll need around £9,500 for an S with the SE starting proceedings another £1,100 upscale. The 2.5-litre T5 is the choice for the driver with a leaden right boot and these deceptively quick cars start at £11,100 on a 53-plate, making an attractive alternative to a typical new 1.8-litre family hatch. The 2.0-litre diesel opens at £9,400, again on the 53 plate. Insurance for the V50 is inexpensive, due in no small part to Volvo's enviable safety record. Even the punchy 2.5-litre T5 variants are ranked at a very reasonable Group 15.
Used Volvo V50 for sale

Volvo V50 Parts

(approx based on a 2004 T5) A clutch assembly is around £175, whilst an exhaust system is in the region of £350. Front brake pads will require the thick end of £55, whilst rears are £45 a pair. A new alternator will be £165, but a new starter motor is a fairly reasonable £110.
Used Volvo V50 for sale